An Analysis of Geographical Indications in Terms of International, Bilateral and Regional Agreements

Abstract

A geographical indication (GI) serves as a quality label that identifies and assures a product’s origin for consumers, highlighting its unique features and the link between these characteristics and its geographical source. Registering a GI provides protection for products that have earned a reputation based on their quality, tradition, regionally sourced raw materials, and local attributes. GIs play a dual role: they not only help transmit local culture to future generations and promote economic development within a country, but they also encompass products with substantial profit potential in international trade. Items such as cheeses, processed animal products, and naturally grown goods (e.g., hazelnuts, grapes, figs) are commonly traded internationally under GI protections. This study aims to analyze international, bilateral, and regional agreements related to GIs, specifically those covering appellations of origin. The analysis includes the 1883 Paris Convention, the 1891 Madrid Convention, the 1958 Lisbon Agreement, and more recent agreements on trade-related intellectual property rights under the World Trade Organization (WTO), as well as bilateral and regional agreements on GIs among countries. Although these agreements address international disputes and trade matters concerning GI products, findings indicate that they can also lead to various challenges between countries regarding the protection and trade of these products. Keywords: Agricultural Trade, Geographical Indication, TRIPS, International Trade Agreements, WTO, Intellectual Property JEL Classification: F13, F15, O34, Q17